All our coaches have passed coaching courses offered by the governing body, the British Aikido Board, as well as being approved to teach by the Principal of Lancashire Aikikai. They have received grade accreditation both from Lancashire Aikikai and from Hombu Dojo, Tokyo, the world headquarters of aikido.
Christine Shepherd 3rd Dan
I began training in Aikido in 1983 and, after some breaks to have a family, was awarded 1st Dan in 1995 by the late Marion Mucha Sensei. My second Dan (1999) and Third Dan (2004) were awarded by Bob Spence Sensei who succeeded Mr Mucha as Principal of Lancashire Aikikai. I hold the BAB (British Aikido Board) Coach Level Two Award.
In teaching aikido, I aim to share the enjoyment and exhiliration that comes from its combination of physical and mental exertion.
Chris Wallace 3rd Dan
After a brief introduction to Judo in my late teens I began my Shotokan Karate training in 1975 under the direction of Kowaswe Sensei. Deviating for a couple of years to study both Wadoryu and Shukakai, I returned to Shotokan and took my 1st Dan (1989) under Kato Sensei.
I started my Aikido training in 1990 with Andrew Baird Sensei in Altrincham and was awarded 1st Dan in 1997 by Marion Mucha Sensei. My 2nd Dan (2000) and 3rd Dan (2004) were awarded by Bob Spence Sensei.
I hold the BAB Coach Level 2 award.
I am now fortunate to be in a position to pass this on the benefits of this powerful, dynamic and yet graceful Martial Art to others through my teaching
In January 2008 I co-founded Marple Aikido with Christine Shepherd.
Wendy Wallace 2nd Dan
I first started martial arts training when I was around 28 years old. I practised first wadaroo, then shotokan karate. Over the next few years I had several breaks in training, and tried a few different clubs, eventually reaching 4th kyu (purple and white belt). At this stage I began to feel that karate was too competitive for me. I was worried about the risk of injury, having 3 young children to look after.
Over the next few years, the rest of my family became involved with Aikido and did their best to entice me onto the mat. I watched a few times but felt that Aikido was beyond me, especially the break falls, but they would have none of it, and badgered me relentlessly. Eventually, I decided the best way get them to stop was to try a beginners course, once a week for 6 weeks, what did I have to lose?? That was 15 years ago! After 6 weeks I was totally hooked, and I have never looked back.
After 10 years of training, I took my 1st Dan, and have been on the coaching rota for Trafford since then. My training has been restricted in the last couple of years, and last year I had a hip replacement.
Neil Wright 2nd Dan
I began my Aikido training in Febuary 2000 under the guidance of Andrew Baird Sensei at Trafford Aikido, a club within Lancashire Aikikai. I was awarded Shodan in 2008 then Nidan in 2011
Sensei Baird was not teaching on the evening of my first class, it was in fact Chris Wallace Sensei, so he is to blame for giving me the Aikido bug and initially inspiring me to return for another class ! Over the years I have been lucky to practice under many different instructors both from within the Aikiai and from outside. The variety of Aikido styles I have practiced have all helped to develop my understanding of Aikido. I particularly enjoy practicing Saito Sensei’s Iwama Ryu weapons system which is taught in the Aikikai.
In 2011 I relocated to the Marple area and joined Marple Aikido club as both a student and coach.
Christine Shepherd 3rd Dan
I began training in Aikido in 1983 and, after some breaks to have a family, was awarded 1st Dan in 1995 by the late Marion Mucha Sensei. My second Dan (1999) and Third Dan (2004) were awarded by Bob Spence Sensei who succeeded Mr Mucha as Principal of Lancashire Aikikai. I hold the BAB (British Aikido Board) Coach Level Two Award.
In teaching aikido, I aim to share the enjoyment and exhiliration that comes from its combination of physical and mental exertion.
Chris Wallace 3rd Dan
After a brief introduction to Judo in my late teens I began my Shotokan Karate training in 1975 under the direction of Kowaswe Sensei. Deviating for a couple of years to study both Wadoryu and Shukakai, I returned to Shotokan and took my 1st Dan (1989) under Kato Sensei.
I started my Aikido training in 1990 with Andrew Baird Sensei in Altrincham and was awarded 1st Dan in 1997 by Marion Mucha Sensei. My 2nd Dan (2000) and 3rd Dan (2004) were awarded by Bob Spence Sensei.
I hold the BAB Coach Level 2 award.
I am now fortunate to be in a position to pass this on the benefits of this powerful, dynamic and yet graceful Martial Art to others through my teaching
In January 2008 I co-founded Marple Aikido with Christine Shepherd.
Wendy Wallace 2nd Dan
I first started martial arts training when I was around 28 years old. I practised first wadaroo, then shotokan karate. Over the next few years I had several breaks in training, and tried a few different clubs, eventually reaching 4th kyu (purple and white belt). At this stage I began to feel that karate was too competitive for me. I was worried about the risk of injury, having 3 young children to look after.
Over the next few years, the rest of my family became involved with Aikido and did their best to entice me onto the mat. I watched a few times but felt that Aikido was beyond me, especially the break falls, but they would have none of it, and badgered me relentlessly. Eventually, I decided the best way get them to stop was to try a beginners course, once a week for 6 weeks, what did I have to lose?? That was 15 years ago! After 6 weeks I was totally hooked, and I have never looked back.
After 10 years of training, I took my 1st Dan, and have been on the coaching rota for Trafford since then. My training has been restricted in the last couple of years, and last year I had a hip replacement.
Neil Wright 2nd Dan
I began my Aikido training in Febuary 2000 under the guidance of Andrew Baird Sensei at Trafford Aikido, a club within Lancashire Aikikai. I was awarded Shodan in 2008 then Nidan in 2011
Sensei Baird was not teaching on the evening of my first class, it was in fact Chris Wallace Sensei, so he is to blame for giving me the Aikido bug and initially inspiring me to return for another class ! Over the years I have been lucky to practice under many different instructors both from within the Aikiai and from outside. The variety of Aikido styles I have practiced have all helped to develop my understanding of Aikido. I particularly enjoy practicing Saito Sensei’s Iwama Ryu weapons system which is taught in the Aikikai.
In 2011 I relocated to the Marple area and joined Marple Aikido club as both a student and coach.
© 2010 Marple Aikido Club
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